What really is empathy? The dictionary defines empathy as “the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.” This definition, however, can sometimes lead to confusion and misunderstanding. How can you understand the feelings of another person unless they share those feelings with you?
Most people do not possess an empathic superpower of comprehending the feelings of others. Learning to empathize with another involves first learning to articulate a range of needs and feelings.
The Empathic Approach aims to bring awareness to the way in which people relate and communicate with one another. This approach has proven to transform relationships within schools, organizations and other communities. This creates a safer and more stable environment which fosters a broader possibility for collaboration and cooperation.
We accomplish this by fostering:
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- Collaborative Communication: A method of communicating that leads to productive conversations where all parties clearly express their needs and feelings without blame and judgment.
- Empathy: An aptitude for listening to others, being present, and mutual relating.
- Critical Thinking: The ability to approach situations and relationships from multiple perspectives.
Empathic Listening